I know, I know! It’s been ages since I wrote here. I’ve been rather busy celebrating a milestone birthday, and just couldn’t squeeze you in too …
Last year I told Barry I wanted to travel more in 2019. Not that we don’t travel most days on the boat of course. But I wanted to travel OFF the boat. Abroad. Celebrating being alive, well and happy after 60 years on this planet. My first fabulous break came in Cyprus, with my younger daughter, who generously treated me to a restful week at a spa retreat in the mountains. Bliss.
A toast at the airport 
Gazing at the mountain views 
Enjoying the sunshine together 
Chilling by the pool 
A decadent dinner
Some of the trips Barry and I had previously planned for this year didn’t materialise – due to the ridiculous and unexpected delay in getting Barry’s Indefinite Leave to Remain Visa returned successfully. Amsterdam first. Then Geneva. Postponed. The the fabulous French Canals jaunt disappointingly took place minus the expected captain. No way of postponing that as it’d been planned and paid for by our intrepid kiwi friends Kerry and Tony. I did my best to enjoy it. Actually it wasn’t hard! I loved every minute. I shan’t post any photos here as I blogged every day I was away. Unbelievable I know! It astounds me how I managed that …
Fun and Games in August
Since then I’ve been to Menorca with both my daughters and grandsons, in the middle of August. Not quite a ‘relaxing’ break, but heaps of fun nonetheless. And it was our first time full-board which was a real treat (especially as I usually do the cooking!).
A wicked weekend at Alton Towers followed soon after. Barry was cajoled into coming. Reluctantly. I think he enjoyed minute aspects of it. Like getting soaked in the pirate ship by water pistols. And speeding along in the Runaway Train. Oh! And the ghost train – which we went on together three times shooting ghosts with laser guns.But it’s really not his ‘thing’. I even went on ONE roller coaster. Three times! The Spinacker I think it’s called …
Outside Splash Landings where we stayed on the Saturday night 
Rather wet after the Pirate Boats! 
The closest we got to Nemesis!
A Special September
September was chock-a-block-full of amazingness. A brilliant celebration of the month I was born in 1959.
Firstly a wonderful wedding weekend in Yorkshire. Our dear friends Gavin and Helen arranged a magnificent ‘do’. Barry had been persuaded to be their ‘official’ photographer. Incredible but true (he stopped doing them many years ago – too stressful). He vowed once again that it would be the last time. I know he did them proud, and they fully appreciated his gift to them.
Little and Large! 
The happy couple … 
… and another one – in the sunset
As we were only an hour’s drive away in the hire car, we spontaneously decided to take the opportunity to go to Whitby on the Sunday afternoon. I’d been in 2018 with Barry’s brother Ray, but Barry hadn’t come with us. Once again, I’m sure there will be some spectacular shots posted from the master. If you didn’t know, Captain James Cook set sail from Whitby in the late 18th century, and ‘discovered’ New Zealand. He landed at Gisborne, where Barry is from. The 250th anniversary was ‘celebrated’ there recently. If only he/his crew hadn’t had a horrid altercation with the local iwi (Maori tribe), it wouldn’t be so distasteful. But I can’t re-write history. Barry did however buy me the history of Captain Cook for my birthday, so I’ll see what I can discover …
Visiting the captain Cook Museum at last 
Whitby Abbey – Gothic central
A weekend in London was next, with my sisters and brothers-in-law. We hired a massive four-bedroomed AirBnB house near Portobello Road, which we stayed in for two nights. My sisters treated us to tickets for Proms In The Park. Fabulous fun. Barry wasn’t quite so enthralled with the boogying and singing at the top of our voices to the songs of Barry Mannilow! He was awesome.
I’ve got my sisters with me …
The boys eating and drinking – no sign of boogying 😉 
You can just about spot Barry – Mannilow!
On the Monday morning we finally made it to Amsterdam. This time by Eurostar. And splashed out on an amazing hotel called Max Brown (Canal District). With a canal view of course. Worth. Every. Single. Penny. We adored it. And the city. I have no doubt there will be a post from Barry at some point with some spectacular images.
Our canal view room at Max Brown’s 
Max Brown is on the opposite side
Barry loving the canal boat trip 
Visiting the Houseboat Museum 
And the Museum of the Canals of course
A trip out of the city – to Edam 
The Red Light District while it’s still there
For my birthday weekend I’d booked us into a plush hotel not far from where I grew up. Moor Hall Hotel in Sutton Coldfield. I’d booked the function room of a Four Oaks pub so that a select group of friends and family could party with me. And party we did! From 12 midday till around 1am I think. There was even a live band on in the pub after the ‘do’. A free disco!! Marvelous.
Not long after the party began, I got the shock of my life when my youngest daughter Kimberley walked in. She was supposed to be in Nigeria and had used some of the money from her grandma’s inheritance to fly back for the weekend to surprise me. I felt very loved.
A birthday treat from Moor Hall 
A stroll in the grounds on my birthday morning 
With my beautiful daughters 
My amazing cake, designed by my youngest sister Viv – and Barry. Me on Wainui Beach, Gisborne, toes dipping in the ocean, dressed in purple and surrounded by paua shells
October in Corfu
Shortly after that I flew off to Corfu for a week in Paleakastrista with my three sisters. Sublime. Full board again.
Nibbles and drinks at the beach bar below the hotel 
The incredible view from the hotel balcony 
Our hotel (Paleo ArtNouveau), is up on the hill 
On the boat to Albania – a day trip 
Fascinating National Park of Butrint in Albania
Slowing Down?
Squeezed in between all these tantalising times, we’ve relished regularly having our grandsons on board – individually of course, it’s far too cramped to have them both at once! Isn’t it fabulous being grandparents? You get all the fun then give them back! And somehow also managed to keep on top of my Ad-Extra work, and Barry’s The Home Brew Boat and Greeting Cards orders. We love the flexibility our chosen lifestyle affords us.
Oddly enough, all I crave for now is staying on board our floating home for a while whilst traveling slowly on the canals!
You never know, I may even make some space to blog regularly too …
Phew! You international jet-setter, you!!! 😀 … sorta could see Mr Manilow. Thank goodness for jumbo screens! 😀
Haha yes we were rather far away from the stage. More room for dancing then 😂
Hi sounds like you have had a blast this last couple of months !
Andy and I had our
first day out as a couple in Whitby so it has always had a special place in our hearts.We try and go at least once a year and spent our Silver wedding there in fact we are overdue a trip………
Hope to see you soon where will you be over the Winter ? We promised Barry a drink when he got his visa !
Liz and Andy
We’ve had heaps of fun this year despite the stupid visa delay! Whitby is gorgeous. We’ll go back and stay in Staithes I think …
We’re heading up towards Chester for winter. So hopefully we’ll see you both for a drink or two 😉
Great I am sure we will see you soon
Wow Sandra you certainly made the most of your big birthday. It all looked fabulous. I am sure the icing on the cake was the arrival of your youngest daughter – such a special thing to do. I do agree about being a grandparent – it is just the best thing ever invented. Jennie
Hi Jennie. It’s been great fun. There’s a bit more sixtieth celebrations to come next year too 😂